Policies & Guidelines

For the comfort and safety of Metro Transit passengers, we ask that all passengers follow our rules of the road & sea.

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Updated May 31, 2012

Passenger Luggage Policy

Passengers are allowed to travel with luggage on Metro Transit buses if the luggage can be safely stowed on the floor directly in front of you, on your lap, or in the overhead luggage rack (MetroX Airport/Fall River buses only).

Provincial regulations stipulate that the aisle and doorways must be clear of any items that may impede the flow of passengers.

Luggage Policy

Surveillance Cameras

Presently, all of Metro Transit's bus fleet, as well as its ferry terminals, have been outfitted with surveillance cameras to ensure greater security for its passengers and operators.

Signs and/or decals have been posted on the buses and terminals to advise passengers of the presence of cameras, as required by privacy laws.

Smoking

In accordance with the Smoke-Free Places Act, smoking is prohibited on all transit vehicles, including the ferry, inside public buildings, and transit shelters.

Smoking is also prohibited within 4 metres (13 feet) of public building entrances and windows, air-intake vents, transit vehicles, and bus shelters.

Food and Beverages

To keep buses clean and safe, any food or drink brought on board must be in a closed container that is spill proof.  Coffee and other beverages can be consumed on board provided the beverage is carried in a sturdy container with a lid that will prevent the liquid from spilling (single use, disposable cups do not meet this criteria).  Beverage consumption is permitted on the ferries.  Open alcohol is not permitted on the bus or the ferry.

All litter must be taken off the bus or ferry and disposed of responsibly.

Scooters

As of August 2010, mobility scooters are allowed on all Access-A-Buses, designated ALF conventional bus routes and ferries. Maximum size restrictions are:

• 3-Wheel Scooters: 40” x 21.125”
• 4-Wheel Scooters: 40.25” x 21.25”

Note: All mobility scooters will require (4) anchors/tie down points to secure the device on the bus. These can be purchased at Lawton's, Harding or any wheelchair/scooter dealer.

Animals

With the exception of Seeing-Eye Dogs and other trained working dogs, animals are not allowed on Metro Transit vehicles, unless properly restrained in a closed cage. Large dogs and exotic animals are prohibited.

Clothing

Passengers are required to wear a shirt or top and footwear while travelling on Metro Transit vehicles.

Scents

Passengers are ask to respect the comfort of others who are sensitive to fragrances and consider a “scent free” environment.

Advertising Policy

Metro Transit regularly sells advertising which is displayed on its buses, ferry vessels and terminals, as a means to support the operation of the transit system.

Additional operational subsidies available to pay for the transit system are raised either through transit fares or municipal taxes. All advertising sold and displayed on Metro Transit must comply with the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards.

All advertising displayed on Metro Transit vehicles features the name of the advertiser which has paid for the placement of the advertisement.

Advertising featured on Metro Transit vehicles does not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), Metro Transit, or its employees.

Questions on the advertising policy should be directed to Metro Transit at 490-6614.

For specific advertising information, please refer to the contact information provided below:

For interior & exterior advertising:

• Pattison Outdoor Advertising
  468-0056

For bus stop bench advertising:

• Creative Outdoor Advertising
  1-800-661-6088 ext. 761

For transit shelter advertising:

• CBS Outdoor
  468-1513 ext. 2

Non-profit organizations may inquire about interior advertising space donations by calling 490-6614.

Anti-Idling Policy

Metro Transit, by virtue of being mass transit, is providing a partial solution for all our environmental concerns. We have experimented with alternative fuels, including biodiesel, which MetroLink currently uses. Engines are becoming more fuel-efficient and as Metro Transit increases its fleet and purchases newer the bus, the better the fuel efficiency. 

As it currently stands, after 3 minutes, Metro Transit operators are encouraged to turn off the engines. However, there are many extenuating circumstances where operators are asked to use discretion. For example, on a cold day tokeep the bus warm for themselves (remember, the bus is the operators workplace), or passengers; or on a hot day to keep the air conditioning on for passengers' comfort. As well, it takes about a minute after a bus is turned on to allow the air pressure to properly build up.

Strollers and Children

For the safety and well-being of babies & young children, other passengers and Metro Transit operators, the following guidelines have been developed for those who travel with baby strollers.

• Strollers should be small, light-weight and foldable. Recommended size should not be larger than 42” x 22.5”.

• Upon boarding the bus, children should be removed from the stroller and held by the parent or guardian. Those wishing to leave children in the stroller should remain near the front of the bus, utilizing the courtesy seats when available.

• The brake must be engaged at all times when the bus is moving.

• The stroller should not obstruct the isle or impede the flow of passengers.

• Mobility-impaired passengers have priority of the front of the bus.

• At the operators’ discretion, strollers that impede the flow of passengers when boarding or exiting, or that are deemed unsafe for transport may be refused entry.

Metro Transit serves over 90,000 passengers daily throughout our community. We ask those travelling with strollers to be mindful of other passengers and follow the above guidelines.

Standing Passengers

Metro Transit is governed by the Board Public Passenger Motor Carrier Act Regulations, which are enabled by the Motor Carrier Act. 

The relevant excerpt from the regulation states:

No motor carrier shall permit a driver of a public passenger vehicle that provides a general service, route service or regular service to carry more than 50% more passengers than the seating capacity of the vehicle.

The regulation includes all types of roads travelled, including highways and the 100 series highways.

Other Policies

• Waste bags, inlcuding compost, recycling or garbage are not permitted on any Metro Transit vehicles.
  
• Passengers using audio/video equipment are asked to use earphones and adjust the volume accordingly as to not disturb other passengers.
  
• Passengers must refrain from using profanity.
  
• Passengers entitled to a reduced fare MUST present required identification upon boarding. If ID is not available, the full adult fare must be paid.
  
• Rollerblades are prohibited on Metro Transit vehicles.

Important Information

Metro Transit operators do their best to follow the posted schedules in order for you to arrive to your destination safely and on time. However, on occasion, road construction, inclement weather or traffic tie-ups may cause delays in the schedule. Your patience and understanding is appreciated during these times.

Metro Transit operators have the authority to deny passengers the right to board Metro Transit vehicles or remove any passenger who may be causing a disturbance or damage to the vehicle.